Readings

156 entries in Billet / Readings
Creators Title Comments & References Year Source Page AA Categories
Dr. Lynn Dr. Lynn's Second Sight Act dead names written on papers, performer divines some, then a last one from freely chosen billet appears on arm of performer
 		1890
More Magic
252
Dr. Lynn The Thinkophone name on paper is divined, using changing ladle
Related to 1890
More Magic
255
Der Hellseher question written on billet, answered by performer, impression device with white soap and metal plate
Related to Sep. 1895
Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 1 No. 9)
140
Der Hellseher second part of explanation
Related to Oct. 1895
Die Zauberwelt (Vol. 1 No. 10)
155
Das Gedankenlesen pseudo muscle-reading used to divine a word written on a piece of paper, impression onto metal tray with soap covered paper
 		Oct. 1895
Der Zauberspiegel (Vol. 1 No. 2)
28
Al Baker Al Baker's Billet Reading Extraordinary one ahead
 		1920s
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue The Twenty-Five Dollar Manuscript)
463
Al Baker The Billet Test
1920s
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue The Twenty-Five Dollar Manuscript)
467
Oswald Rae Original Sealed Billet Reading with five billets, two ahead
 		1926
Between Ourselves
79
Tom Sellers One Man Sealed Message Reading
1933
More Secrets
20
Al Baker Al Baker's Billet Mystery three billets, envelopes, including the umbrella move
Related toAlso published here 1933
Al Baker's Book
33
Theodore Annemann Two Papers and a Spectator two billets with information, one is duplicated and one divined
Also published here Oct. 1934
The Jinx (Issue 1)
3
Theodore Annemann The Master of the Message using a stooge
 		Jan. 1935
The Jinx (Issue 4)
13
Theodore Annemann A Question and the Answer with billet switch using Thumb Tip
VariationsAlso published here Feb. 1935
The Jinx (Issue 5)
20
Theodore Annemann The Modernized Reading for single reading or getting one ahead
VariationsAlso published here June 1935
The Jinx (Issue 9)
34
Ralph W. Read A New Method of Tabulation tip for question and answer reading act
Also published here 1935
The Jinx (Issue Summer Extra 1935)
46
Theodore Annemann The Telephone Drama name and telephone number are divined
Variations 1935
Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine
7
Theodore Annemann The Dead Name Test connected to the foregoing routine, name of a dead person is divined

 		1935
Complete One Man Mental and Psychic Routine
8
Wm. Hewitt The Modern Mindreader several questions put in envelopes
Related to 1935
Mental Bargain Effects
2
Theodore Annemann Annemann's Psychic Writing appearing writing on paper card answers question
Related toVariations 1935
Mental Bargain Effects
4
Al Baker The Name Is - ! one billet, using a leather book
Also published here 1935
Al Baker's Second Book
32
Theodore Annemann Psychic Writing Variation appearing writing on paper card answers question
Related to Feb. 1936
The Jinx (Issue 17)
91
Bert Reese Bert Reese Secrets Berthold Riess, billet reading information, soft paper
VariationsAlso published here 1936
The Jinx (Issue Summer Extra 1936)
140
Newton Hall The Reticent Queen written name is divined by whispering Queen, using P&L Metal Card Box
 		Sep. 1936
The Jinx (Issue 24)
151
Audley Walsh Your Fortune, Miss! method to read billet with deck of cards as cover
 		Mar. 1937
The Jinx (Issue 30)
196
Robert Parrish The Ultimate One Man Sealed Message Reading System 1. Collecting the Envelopes
2. Reading the Messages
3. Returning the Card and Envelope
4. Returning the Next to the Last Message
5. Reading the Last Message
 		1937
You'd be Surprised
22
Theodore Annemann Diabolo Pellet Reading
1938
Greater Magic
881
The One Ahead System
1938
Greater Magic
883
Wm. Hewitt Modern Mind Reading
Related to 1938
Greater Magic
884
Burling Hull, Theodore Annemann New Sheet Reading questions in numbered envelopes answered by medium, Q&A
Also published here Dec. 1939
The Jinx (Issue 73)
491
Robert Parrish The Phantom President imaginary president is elected, choice divined
 		1939
Do That Again!
17
Henry Hardin The Finest Sealed Letter Test impression device
 		1940
The Jinx (Issue 97)
599
Theodore Annemann Tip on Q&A Act
1940
The Jinx (Issue 102)
620
Theodore Annemann A Day of Your Life one spectator writes some things on billets, performer divines all, billets placed under feet of spectator and one billet is burnt
Also published here 1940
The Jinx (Issue 110)
654
William Ruesskamp A New Slant on Pellet Reading switch with hat, billets are numbered
 		1940
Fast Ones
21
Joseph Dunninger, Theodore Annemann Gipsies Won't Tell thoughts on the reading act
Also published here 1941
The Jinx (Issue 125)
723
Otis Manning The Ghost of a Chance billet switching box, Q&A
Related toVariationsAlso published here 1941
The Jinx (Issue 137)
781
Dr. Stanley Jaks Duplex performer divines name written on billet, switch with thumb tip
 		Aug. 1941
Hokus Pokus (Vol. 3 No. 8)
4
Al Baker The Quick and the Dead "With the Baker Pellet Switch"
living and dead test with reading of dead name
Also published here 1941
Magical Ways and Means
132
James G. Thompson Jr. Embers billet in envelope burnt and divined
 		Apr. 1942
The Phoenix 1-50 (Issue 7)
26
James G. Thompson Jr. Duo-Finale three spectators think of something, write it down and seal their thought in an envelope, performer divines all three
 		Dec. 1943
The Phoenix 51-100 (Issue 51)
208
Audley Walsh Your Fortune, Miss! method to switch and read billet with deck of cards as cover
 		1943
Full Deck of Impromptu Card Tricks
28
Theodore Annemann, Bert Reese Bert Reese Secrets Berthold Riess, billet reading information, soft paper
  • Routine with Three Sitters
  • Routine for Single Sitters
  • Routine for Telephone Test
  • Routine for Groups
  • Some Final Remarks
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
11
Theodore Annemann A Question and the Answer with billet switch using Thumb Tip
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
17
Theodore Annemann A Day of Your Life one spectator writes some things on billets, performer divines all, billets placed under feet of spectator and one billet is burned
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
20
Otis Manning The Ghost of a Change using the OM Billet Switching Box, Q&A
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
32
Otis Manning Crystal Clear Q&A, after information is obtained, way that assistant brings them to performer, bottle, in combination with his billet box
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
33
Theodore Annemann Two Papers and a Spectator two billets with information, one is duplicated and one divined
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
52
Theodore Annemann Modernized Reading for single reading or getting one ahead
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
148
Joseph Dunninger, Theodore Annemann Modernizing the "One Ahead" Principle thoughts on the reading act
  • Readings for Intimate Groups
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
151
Theodore Annemann, Burling Hull New Sheet Reading questions in numbered envelopes answered by medium, Q&A, chair servante
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
251
Ralph W. Read A New Method of Tabulation tip for question and answer reading act
Also published here 1944
Practical Mental Effects
331
Theodore Annemann The Telephone Drama name and telephone number
 		1945
My Best
279
Jos. Kellar Ghost Eyes cards and billets are put in a bag and read in the darkness
 		1945
Miracles in Mentalism and Psychic Experimentation
30
John Hamilton Date? Name? triple prediction
 		Dec. 1945
The Phoenix 51-100 (Issue 97)
392
Dr. William Weyeneth Der Austausch-Becher cup with slit to steal billet, followed by french translation "Le gobelet magique"
 		Sep. 1945
La Baguette Magique (Issue 5)
5
A "One Man" Mind Reading Act billets are handed out for questions, quastion answer act
 		1945/27
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 4
219
A Modern Crystal Gazing Act using switching tray
 		1945/27
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 4
224
Anna Eva Fay, Ralph W. Read The Excelsior Mind Reading Act different methods to ascertain information, long discussion of this type of work
 		1945/27
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 4
231
Mike Trent Okito Goes Mental billet in Okito Box
Related toAlso published here 1946
Ireland's Yearbooks (Issue Yearbook 1946)
6
Cyril Marriott Facsimile content from billet is reproduced on a slate
 		Apr. 1946
The Phoenix 101-150 (Issue 103)
415
Al Baker Al Baker's Envelope Switch window envelopes, Q&A routine application
Also published here 1949
Mental Magic
40
Al Baker Pellet Reading "Al Baker Method"
contents of three slips are divined, with secret opening and reading method, umbrella move
Also published here 1949
Mental Magic
59
Al Baker Secret Reading of Billets with a notepad
Also published here 1949
Mental Magic
76
Al Baker Pseudo-Fortune Telling Seance for "can you tell fortunes?"-situations
  • The Seance
Also published here 1949
Mental Magic
80
Bob Somerfeld Supelletive three billet routine, umbrella move
 		1951
Mind Reader's Digest
15
Al Baker One-Man Billet Reading
Also published here 1951
Pet Secrets
64
Milbourne Christopher Special Delivery several names of the members of the audience are noted, one is selected and put in envelope, performer hands envelope to owner
 		1954
More One Man Mental Magic
8
Dr. Stanley Jaks Billets Deux billet in glass, covered by handkerchief is divined
Also published here Feb. 1954
The Phoenix 251 — 300 (Issue 299)
1194
Harold Sterling, Harlan Tarbell Astrological Mindreading Act birthdate reading, billets in envelopes
 		1954/27
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 6
198
Harlan Tarbell Royal Message Reading message written on playing card, using card with window
 		1954/27
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 6
206
Gene "Phantini" Grant A Miracle Mental Routine messages in envelopes reading routine, drawing duplication as climax, blindfolded
 		1955
Phantini's Lost Book of Mental Secrets
1
Fritz Moser Mirax word written on billet is placed inside powder box and divined
 		1958
Hokus Pokus (Vol. 19 No. 1)
602
Rolf Andra The Perfekt Impromptu-Test living and dead test, also name is divined
 		1958
Hokus Pokus (Vol. 19 No. 3)
664
Tony Corinda (17) The Use of a Crystal Ball crystal ball as magnifying glass to read billets
 		1959
Billets
186
Tony Corinda Three Little Questions
1959
Billets
189
Charlie Miller The Great Billet Test spectator writes name on one of several billets, billet and word on it are divined
 		1961
An Evening with Charlie Miller
38
James G. Thompson Jr. Five to One billets in hat, secret divination and reading
 		Jan. 1961
The New Phoenix 351-400 (Issue 353)
239
Dr. Stanley Jaks Billetdeux billet in glass, covered by handkerchief is divined
Also published here 1961
Dr. Stanley-Jaks und seine Geheimnisse
53
Dr. Stanley Jaks In memoriam Dr. Jaks billet in glass, covered by handkerchief is divined
Also published here 1967
Hokus Pokus (Vol. 28 No. 6)
88
Al Koran Birthday Card Trick birthday is divined, center tear
 		1968
Al Koran's Professional Presentations
29
Al Koran Doodles psychometry with six spectators and papers
Variations 1968
Al Koran's Professional Presentations
67
Ralph Gironda, Karl Fulves Notes from Underground two billets/spectators, see p. 241 for further reference
 		Mar. 1968
The Pallbearers Review Vol. 1-4 (Vol. 3 No. 5)
167
George B. Anderson, Mike Trent Hi, There, Theo! billet in Okito Box, with clearer instructions than in the Yearbook
Also published here 1968
You, Too, Can Read Minds
39
George B. Anderson Theo Plus Bert Reese routine using the Okito Box
Berthold Riess, billet reading information, soft paper
Inspired by 1968
You, Too, Can Read Minds
40
Jules Lenier Instant Fortune-Teller cold reading and answering one question, using cards
 		1971
Magick (Issue 26)
127
Max Lister Easy Message Reading alcohol to make envelope transparent
 		1972
Tarbell Course in Magic — Volume 7
62
Paul Siegel Test of Lhasa word on billet is divined, burnt with a figurine and story presentation
 		1972
Doorway to Delusion
15
David Douglas Psychic Empathy different names of audience members are written on paper by performer, one is selected and divined, twist on old principle
 		1972
Magick (Issue 58)
287
Jack Kent Tillar Impromptu Pseudo-Psychology slips of paper, several spectators write down pieces of information, all billets are correctly allocated, information of last billet is divined
 		1976
Magick (Issue 155)
771
Karrell Fox The Shifting Sands of the Sahara white sand on tablet used as presentational ploy to read answer from spectator's palm impression
 		1976
Clever.... Like a Fox
97
Christopher Rogers Flim-Flam Man! q&a routine
 		1978
Magick (Issue 217)
1083
Bob Haines Shades of Bert Resse several billets are read with Mann's "The Azonic Force", one ahead
 		1979
Acidus Plus
9
Karrell Fox "That's What You Think!" several billets in clear box, reading
 		1979
Another Book
146
Karrell Fox Mind-velope billets mixed in envelope, some held back secretly when others are dumped out
Related to 1979
Another Book
152
Thomas Alan Waters Trinkle birthday and zodiac are written on paper and divined
Inspired by 1981
Mind, Myth & Magick (Issue Scrypt)
186
Al Mann The Essence of Thought Q&A with one sitter, with envelopes
Inspired by 1982
Of Gifts and Talents
1
Thomas Alan Waters OManation on the OM Billet Switching Box
Inspired by 1985
Mind, Myth & Magick (Issue Fynys)
735
Shuke D'Voil, Al Mann The Shuttered Trellis four pieces of information written on index card, card is folded and secured with bulldog clip, peek similar to Acidus Novus
 		1985
High Domain
9
Richard Osterlind The Routine mindreading with center tear
 		1986
The Surrounded Slow-Motion Center Tear
13
Dr. Dan J. Alessini Ulta-plus! Close-up Mental Act multi-phase routine
  • one of several bottle caps is chosen, matching beer is produced from jacket
  • name of person written on paper is burnt and divined by performer
  • chosen zodiac sign appears on boiled egg, inside the shell
  • chosen tune is heard from box, which is later to be shown empty
 		Aug. 1987
Magick (Issue 394)
1967
Bob Ostin Postmaster words noted on billets, performer divines words on folded billets
Also published here May 1987
The New Talon (Vol. 1 No. 3)
51
Karrell Fox "E.Z.-est-yet" Mindreading billets mixed in envelope, some held back secretly when others are dumped out
Related to 1988
My Latest Book
83
Marco Fida Whizzer written name and Zodiac divined, using Grismer's What's Your Sign?
Inspired by Nov. 1990
Magick (Issue 447)
2234
Docc Hilford Shuteye fingers on eyelids of spectator, used to read message
 		Feb. 1991
Magick (Issue 452)
2260
Charles Reynolds Snap Shot light comes from pendulum, name is revealed, FISM flash
 		Nov. 1991
Magick (Issue 463)
2312
Al Mann The Naked Thought prediction and mind reading, one ahead with 3 billets
 		1994
The Naked Thought
1
Al Mann The Quantum Leap with four cards, one ahead routine with the opener move
 		1994
The Naked Thought
4
Ted Lesley Dissertation on the Center Tear on the presentation of the center tear and billet reading, with several anecdotes
 		1994
Paramiracles
93
Basil Horwitz Ultimate Challenge Thought and Clairvoyance performer writes date of birth, favorite color and hobby on card and selects a card with a word, all is divined by performer, envelope switch
Related to 1997
The Mental Magick of Basil Horwitz — Volume 4
38
Jas Jakutsch The ATAW (Any Time AnyWhere) Triple Test divination of three thoughts, jotted down on a business card
Inspired by
  • Bruce Bernstein's "Telepathy and Clairvoyance" in "Twenty Effects for the Psychic Entertainer"
 1999
Completely Mental — Vol. 1
11
Jas Jakutsch JaJa Quadruple Test multiple billet reading, ends with a design duplication
 		1999
Completely Mental — Vol. 1
21
Jas Jakutsch The QuinBillet Test" AKA "A Kick to the One-A... Head" five billet routine, picture duplication, ends with Telephone Drama
Related to 1999
Completely Mental — Vol. 2
20
Paul Curry Smoke Signals card and word written on billets, then burnt and divined
 		2001
Paul Curry's Worlds Beyond
221
Carlhorst Meier Meine Drei-Zettel-Routine three names on billets, pseudo-psychometry, last name divined
Also published here
  • "Meine Drei-Zettel-Routine" (Carlhorst Meier, Seminar Carlhorst Meier)
 2001
Intermagic (Vol. 24 No. 3-5)
190
Barrie Richardson A Question is Answered
Also published here Aug. 2002
Genii (Vol. 65 No. 8)
36
Luke Jermay The Butterfly Billet Ballet After a simple billet mind-reading sequence, spectator opens the billet and a live butterfly flies out, leaving the billet blank
 		2002
7 Deceptions
44
Al Baker Al Baker's Billet Mystery three billets, envelopes, including the umbrella move
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Al Baker's Book)
92
Al Baker The Name Is - ! one billet, using a leather book
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Al Baker's Second Book)
118
Al Baker The Quick and the Dead "With the Baker Pellet Switch"
living and dead test with reading of dead name
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Magical Ways and Means)
265
Al Baker Al Baker's Envelope Switch window envelopes, Q&A routine application
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Mental Magic)
306
Al Baker Pellet Reading "Al Baker Method"
contents of three slips are divined, with secret opening and reading method, umbrella move
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Mental Magic)
316
Al Baker Secret Reading of Billets with a notepad
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Mental Magic)
326
Al Baker Pseudo Fortune Telling Séance for "can you tell fortunes?"-situations
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Mental Magic)
329
Al Baker One-Man Billet Reading
Also published here 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Pet Secrets)
413
Al Baker Thought Transcription several designs on billets, designs are duplicated, thumb tip
Also published here
  • marketed 1932 ca.
 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Instructions)
585
Al Baker Message from Beyond answering of two questions
Also published here
  • The Sphinx, Vol. 35 No. 1, Mar. 1936
 2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Magazines)
654
Al Baker Pellets and Card Trick cards are written on billets, performer devines cards, short card
 		2003
The Secret Ways of Al Baker (Issue Notebooks)
726
Robert Cassidy Messing Around five spectators write an action on piece of paper, one is chosen and performer divines and copies action on billet
 		2004
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy
82
Robert Cassidy Spellbilleted information of two numbered and destroyed billets is divined
 		2004
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy
140
Robert Cassidy Jazz Mentalism longer and well-structured Q&A billet act, as a finale selected billet is sealed in envelope and still content is divined
Related to 2004
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy
143
Robert Cassidy The Godfather of All Billet Tests Q&A routine
 		2004
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy
228
Barrie Richardson A Question is Answered "(With a Business-card Switch)"
Inspired byAlso published here 2005
Act Two
264
Barrie Richardson Contact billet routine with two spectators
 		2005
Act Two
270
Barrie Richardson The Double Billet glimpsing method for folded billet with information written in special places, audience is not aware of what is asked for on billet
VariationsAlso published here
  • Club 71, July 2003
 2005
Act Two
275
Barrie Richardson The Devil's Routine billet routine with two spectators
 		2005
Act Two
287
Bob Ostin Postmaster words noted on billets, performer divines words on folded billets
Also published here 2005
Bob Ostin — A Lifetime of Magical Inventions
98
Jörg Alexander Weber Drei-Namen-Eröffnung three names on billets, pseudo-psychometry, last name divined
Inspired by
  • "Meine Drei-Zettel-Routine" (Carlhorst Meier, Seminar Carlhorst Meier)
 2008
ZauberKunstStücke — Band 2
49
Michael Weber Soul Searcher information written on paper pieces is correctly assigned to spectator, torn edges marking
Also published here 2010
The TAOM Intelligencer
8
Michael Weber Soul Searcher information written on paper pieces is correctly assigned to spectator, torn edges marking
Also published here 2011
Knew & Improved
8
Barrie Richardson A Dessert and a First Love billet routine
Inspired byVariations 2011
Curtain Call
155
Barrie Richardson The Triangle Peek special fold and billet is squeezed open to glimpse four writings
Inspired byAlso published here
  • The Magician, Jan. 2007
 2011
Curtain Call
166
Barrie Richardson Double Deception Billet Routine glimpsing method for folded billet with information written in special places, audience is not aware of what is asked for on billet
Inspired byAlso published here
  • The Magician, July 2006
 2011
Curtain Call
170
Michael Weber Soul Searcher information written on paper pieces is correctly assigned to spectator, torn edges marking
Also published here 2011
Denverismilitude
8
Michael Weber Soul Searcher information written on paper pieces is correctly assigned to spectator, torn edges marking
Also published here 2012
Blackpool Twenty Twelve
13
Alberto de Figueiredo Advinaciones al Cubo word from dictionary, date and drawing are divined
Inspired by 2013
Magia Demente
95
Robert Cassidy The Jazz Approach longer and well-structured Q&A billet act combined with the Jazz Approach
  • As Seen By An Imaginary Critic
  • The Elements and Analysis
Related to 2013
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy — Volume 2: Fundamentals
137
Robert Cassidy An Example of Low-Tech Mentalism - One Man Billet Routine #1 with six people
 		2013
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy — Volume 2: Fundamentals
159
Robert Cassidy More Basics on billet routines
 		2013
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy — Volume 2: Fundamentals
162
Robert Cassidy Billet Fundamentals
2013
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy — Volume 2: Fundamentals
163
Robert Cassidy The Three Envelope Test - The Inside Dope billets in envelopes
 		2013
The Artful Mentalism of Bob Cassidy — Volume 2: Fundamentals
166
Dr. Stanley Jaks Billets Deux billet in glass, covered by handkerchief is divined
Also published here 2014
The Incredible Dr. Jaks
105
Philipp Ganglberger B2 - A Billet Routine for the Real World clever constructed billet routine, revelation of several pieces of information of a spectator
Inspired by 2017
B2
2
Robert Cassidy, Alexander de Cova Bob Cassidy's Billet Test
Inspired by 2017
Ultimate Chair Routine
62
Áriston, Theodore Annemann El Drama Del Telefono Y El Test Del Muerto name and telephone number are divined
Inspired by 2017
Hojas Sueltas
156
Markus Beldig Three-Billet Test
Inspired by
  • "Meine Drei-Zettel-Routine" (Carlhorst Meier, Seminar Carlhorst Meier)
 2019
The Florida Notes 2019
10
Nathan Kranzo The Cup Billet test, magician divines what is written on three billets, uses cup
Inspired by 2021
Kranzilla Unleashed
44